Emiliano Martinez Becomes Eighth Chelsea-Villa Deal in Four Years

Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million, making him the latest player to move between the two Premier League clubs.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has signed a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge after spending five seasons with Villa. His transfer is the eighth deal between Chelsea and Aston Villa since 2022, underlining the unusually close trading relationship that has developed between the clubs.

Martinez Makes the Move to Chelsea

Martinez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

During his time at Villa Park, the Argentina international made 256 appearances and became one of the most recognizable goalkeepers in the Premier League. He also played a role in Villa’s successful European campaign last season.

The World Cup winner said joining Chelsea was an easy decision for him and his family and that he is eager to compete for trophies with his new club.

His arrival gives Chelsea additional experience and competition in goal as the club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the new season.

Chelsea and Villa Continue Their Transfer Connection

Martinez’s move comes only shortly after Nicolas Jackson went in the opposite direction, joining Aston Villa from Chelsea.

The two clubs have now completed eight permanent or loan deals since the summer of 2022, when Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership began.

Their recent transfer history includes several notable moves:

• Carney Chukwuemeka — Aston Villa to Chelsea for £20 million
• Ian Maatsen — Chelsea to Aston Villa for £37.5 million
• Omari Kellyman — Aston Villa to Chelsea for £19 million
• Axel Disasi — Chelsea to Aston Villa on loan
• Morgan Rogers — Aston Villa to Chelsea for £117 million
• Alejandro Garnacho — Chelsea to Aston Villa on loan with a conditional purchase arrangement
• Nicolas Jackson — Chelsea to Aston Villa for £65 million
• Emiliano Martinez — Aston Villa to Chelsea for £7.5 million

Chelsea have paid Villa approximately £163.5 million for players since 2022, while Villa’s spending on Chelsea players has reached around £102.5 million, including the Disasi loan fee. The figure could increase if the conditions attached to Garnacho’s move are met.

Four Deals Between the Clubs This Summer

The relationship has become particularly active during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Rogers completed a major £117 million move to Chelsea before Garnacho joined Villa on loan. Jackson then made a permanent move to Villa before Martinez switched clubs.

That means four Chelsea-Villa transactions have taken place during the same transfer window.

The volume of business has attracted attention elsewhere in the Premier League, particularly because both clubs must operate within domestic and UEFA financial regulations. However, there is currently no suggestion that either Chelsea or Aston Villa has broken any rules.

Why Are Chelsea and Villa Doing So Much Business?

There are several reasons domestic Premier League transfers can be attractive.

English clubs generally have greater financial resources than many teams elsewhere in Europe. That can make another Premier League side one of the few realistic buyers for players commanding significant transfer fees and wages.

There is also less uncertainty when recruiting players who already have Premier League experience. Clubs have access to extensive data and knowledge about their performances, physical condition and ability to adapt to English football.

The personal relationship between Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris has also been cited as a factor behind the clubs’ close working relationship.

UEFA Rules Could Draw Attention to Transfers

UEFA has the ability to scrutinize transfers involving the same clubs when deals take place within a 45-day period.

Several recent Chelsea-Villa transactions have fallen within relatively short timeframes. However, the timing of transfers alone does not prove that separate deals are connected or that financial regulations have been breached.

Villa, for example, had already shown interest in Jackson, while Chelsea’s pursuit of Martinez can be viewed as a separate sporting decision.

Martinez Adds Experience to Chelsea’s Squad

For Chelsea, the arrival of Martinez provides an experienced international goalkeeper with a major trophy-winning background.

The Argentine was part of the team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has spent years competing at the highest level in England.

For Villa, his departure creates another significant gap to address after a summer of major squad changes.

With the transfer deadline approaching, both clubs could still make further moves. But Martinez’s transfer has already added another chapter to one of the Premier League’s most active modern transfer relationships.

The Chelsea-Villa connection has now produced eight deals in four years — and with both clubs continuing to reshape their squads, the relationship may not be finished yet.